Sigma Kappa Past and Present Sisters Reunited

During homecoming weekend and Sigma Kappa’s 20^th anniversary celebration new, current and past members are reunited.

By Jessica Porter

Homecoming weekend at Radford University means a lot of friends and fun for most students; but for sisters, new members and alumni of Sigma Kappa, it’s also the celebration of their 20^th anniversary and a family reunion that’s actually enjoyable.

On Saturday Feb. 8, about 150 prospective, current and alumni sisters gathered at the sorority house to kick off their homecoming weekend and anniversary celebration. That same day was the homecoming celebration for all Radford Greek life, but the anniversary made it even more special for Sigma Kappas.

To start off the weekend an event called Hospitality House occurred on Friday at 4 p.m. to welcome anyone who came out for the festivities. This is a way for sisters, new members and alumni to meet and mingle, tour the sorority house, buy anniversary pins and just have a good time.

“It’s surreal honestly … it’s bizarre, were all shaking and excited and nervous,” said Caryn Denny-McGarry, a Sigma Kappa alumnus who graduated in 1997. Denny-McGarry is one of many alumni who drove back to Radford to attend the anniversary and homecoming events.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as more people arrived and families were introduced. As each new member period starts, girls are adopted into families with a big sister to guide them through the process. These families are continued each year.

“I’m so happy to meet everyone in my family. I think it’s great because it’s nice to see older sisters and a lot of us are excited about potential connections in our major,” said senior and vice-president of Sigma Kappa Elizabeth Grubb.

Grubb was also involved in planning the event, which began about a year ago and has become a 24-hour a day job the past week to make sure everything was ready. With 150 people expected to attend, it has been a long process.

There were 19 new members who are experiencing homecoming for the first time.

“I’m having so much fun right now; I’m in the middle of the pledging so I’m really excited to get initiated into this. I didn’t think that I would be a sorority type of person but I totally changed my mind when I rushed,” said freshman Dallas Deshazior.

Events like the 20^th anniversary celebration reinforces why sister and sophomore Ashley Burke joined the sorority.

“I really think we all consider ourselves to be sisters,” said Burke who has been a member for one year. Burke said she was hesitant at first because she heard Radford sororities are smaller than usual but is glad she picked Sigma Kappa during her rush last year.

“It was really fun it kind of felt like a day camp when your going through rush like, you go to all the different sororities and you feel what’s best for you” said Burke about how she picked Sigma Kappa.